A champion of diversity is someone that goes the extra mile to see that all companies, large or small have an equal opportunity in today’s tough economic climate. Jewel Smith is just such a champion and is the manager of Supplier Diversity for CenterPoint Energy Inc.

Jewel is responsible for the strategic guidance within CenterPoint in regards to its integration of supplier diversity into the company’s overall corporate strategy and culture. She has played a key role in the design and implementation of processes and procedures to grow relationships with MWBE companies and to increase their inclusion in business opportunities within CenterPoint Energy.

Jewel has received many professional accolades and awards over the course of her career including being named the among the “Best of Decade” in the category of Supplier Diversity and as one of “100 Women Impacting Supplier Diversity in the U.S.” In addition to her work at CenterPoint Energy Inc., Jewel is also a member of the Leadership Team of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council’s SDAC Committee and is also Chair Emeritus of the Edison Electric Institute’s National Supplier Diversity Committee.

Favorite Quote :“It’s better to try and fail than fail to try. We can all make a difference if, like the boy and the starfish, we do the smallest thing to help someone.” - Jewel Smith

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